First Aid Only

shandyside · June 2007

In reading the OSHA guidelines for reportable injuries, it states that if only first aid is needed you don't have to report the accident. My question is if you send the employee to a clinic (occ health) and they do first aid only then who pays for the visit?? Do you report it to your workers comp carrier and they pay it or does the company pay it outright. In this instance an employee stuck themselves with a safety pin (I know, crazy) and the supervisor sent them to the clinic where they gave them a tetanus shot. Tetanus shots are specifically mentioned as "first aid only". Help??

ACU Frank · June 2007

The work comp carrier will handle it (unless you are partially self-insured), but it isn't an OSHA recordable incident.

joannie · June 2007

We have set a threshold amount for reporting claims to our carrier. If the bill is going to be under $300 we pay locally unless it is OSHA recordable, then we send to our comp carrier regardless of amount.

stilldazed · June 2007

Sounds like you are confusing OSHA recordability status with workers' comp. The first aid status is for OSHA recordability purposes. Don't report first aid cases on your OSHA log. As for the costs associated with first aid, it is handled as your other w/c cases are handled. If you are self insured, the employer pays the bill. If you have an insurance policy, confirm with your carrier how the bill is managed.

It is certainly OK to have medical expenses related to first aid assessments. The first aids won't be counted for OSHA purposes, and w/c legislation typically requires that the employer pay the costs for expenses related to workers' injuries on the job.

Best wishes.

shandyside · June 2007

Thanks to everyone -- it can get confusing. I'm calling my carrier today:)

DawnC · June 2007

Thanks for the question...it will clean up my OSHA form!!!

First Aid Only

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